The annual Sofia marathon will be held on Sunday, October 25 2009, Bulgarian-language Dnevnik said.

It will start outside the central entrance of Vassil Levski nation stadium at 10am. Winners in different disciplines will share prize money of 21 000 leva and prizes worth 20 000 leva. The winner will get 2000 leva and a 500 leva bonus from Nike sportswear company.

So far 120 people have signed up for the 26km marathon. All athletes from Bulgaria's national team are expected to take part, Dnevnik said.

Amateur runners can sign up for the race distance of 8.5km and 3.5km. Foreign athletes are also expected to take part. People can sign up at the Evrofutbol coffee shop just to the left of the central entrance of Vassil Levski national stadium between 2pm and 7pm from October 22 until October 24.

On October 25, people can still sign up between 7.30am and 9am.

Runners have to present their ID documents and results of a medical check-up conducted within three days of the race. Registered runners must appear 30 minutes before the start of the race at 10am with their racing signs on or they will not be let in.

The marathon's route is the same as last year. It starts at Vassil Levski stadium and goes along Evlogi Georgiev boulevard, Bulgarian boulevard, near National Palace of Culture (NDK), on P.Yu. Todorov blulevard, Yuzhen Park (South Park), Nishava street, back on Bulgaria boulevard, Evlogi Georgiev boulevard, around Orlov Bridge and to Vassil Levski stadium.

These streets will be closed during the marathon which is organised by Sofia city hall and United Bulgarian Bank.